Water project for Tumaini School for pregnant and mothering women, Kagera, Tanzania

The completed school building at tumaini open school

For nearly six decades, pregnant students and adolescent mothers in Tanzania have faced expulsion from school, forcing them to abandon their educational dreams. The resulting stigma leads to ridicule and, in some cases, abandonment by their families. Tumaini is committed to offering these girls a second chance through the construction of an Open School with vocational training, specifically for those excluded from the traditional school system.

Unlike similar initiatives in urban areas that are often costly and inaccessible, Tumaini's school is located in a rural village outside Tabora, providing free tuition and child care facilities to the majority of its students. EWB-SWE has been engaged to assist with a land-use plan for the remaining buildings and to identify other technical needs, and our engagement started with a site visit and pre-study report. Please find a project overview below. More resources will be added as the project proceeds.

Project Overview: Supporting Education for Teen Mothers and Secondary Learners in Tabora.

Target Audience

Primary audience (62.5%)

The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are teen mothers who have had to leave school due to pregnancy. Recognising the challenges they face, such as poverty and societal stigma, the school aims to enrol these young mothers as fee-free students. During the first year (Phase One), the school plans to enrol approximately 50 teen mothers, increasing to about 282 by the fourth year (Phase Three). These students will represent 62.5% of the total enrolment at the centre.

Secondary (Sustaining) Audience (37.5%)

Secondary beneficiaries are individuals who missed out on formal secondary education in public schools and wish to continue their education through Alternative Education Programmes (AEPs), such as Open School. The school will enrol 30 fee-paying students in the first year, with the number rising to 168 by the fourth year. These students will comprise 37.5% of the total enrolment.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Climate adaptation is crucial for the school's sustainability and functionality in the face of climate change. To achieve this, the school will undertake a climate risk assessment and develop a comprehensive climate adaptation plan. This plan will include enhancing infrastructure, improving water management, and incorporating climate education to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Access to Clean Water

Access to clean water is vital for the school's operation. The school will ensure a consistent water supply for drinking, washing, and cooking. Tabora Municipality currently sources water from Kazima Dam, Kitete Wells, and Igombe Dam, covering 68-78% of the population. However, there is significant potential for improvement through rainwater harvesting, a practice currently underutilised in Tabora.

Rainwater Harvesting

During a field visit, it was noted that many buildings in Tabora lack eaves gutters, which are essential for effective rainwater harvesting. By implementing simple systems consisting of eaves gutters, storage units, and necessary connections, the school can collect and store rainwater. This water can then be used during dry seasons, ensuring a stable water source for the school’s 450 students and staff. Proper management will be essential to prevent bacterial growth during storage.

Rainwater harvesting aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) - Clean Water and Sanitation, promoting sustainable water supply and efficient water use.

Conclusion

This project aims to provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged teen mothers and other individuals who missed out on formal education, while also ensuring the school’s sustainability through climate adaptation and efficient water management practices. By addressing these needs, the project supports the holistic development of the community and contributes to achieving global sustainability goals.

Image Description: The accompanying image illustrates a rainwater harvesting system at a school in Tabora, showcasing the practical implementation of this sustainable practice.

The project will contribute to fulfilling the UN SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation for all, as well as UN SDG 3 - Good health and well-being, and UN SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and societies.